Modern History of India 2: Key Questions and Answers for GPSC Mains Exam

1. Compare the features of Ryotwari System and Mahalwari system, and explain how these two systems are different from the Permanent Settlement System.

Introduction:

The Ryotwari, Mahalwari and Permanent Settlement systems are three different land revenue systems that were implemented in India during the British colonial period. These systems were implemented in different regions of India and had their own unique features. In this article, we will compare the features of the Ryotwari and Mahalwari systems and explain how these two systems are different from the Permanent Settlement System.

Ryotwari System:

The Ryotwari system, also known as the cultivator system, is a system where the revenue is directly paid to the government by the cultivators who hold land. Under this system, the cultivator holds the land and is responsible for paying the revenue to the government. The government does not have any intermediaries between the cultivator and the government. The government assesses the revenue based on the land's productivity.

Mahalwari System:

The Mahalwari system, also known as the village system, is a system where the revenue is paid to the government by the village community. Under this system, the village community holds the land and is responsible for paying the revenue to the government. The government does not have any intermediaries between the village community and the government. The government assesses the revenue based on the land's productivity.

Permanent Settlement System:

The Permanent Settlement system is a system where the land revenue is assessed and collected by intermediaries such as zamindars. Under this system, the zamindars hold the land and are responsible for paying the revenue to the government. The government assesses the revenue based on the land's productivity and the zamindars are responsible for collecting the revenue from the cultivators.

Differences:

The main differences between the Ryotwari, Mahalwari and Permanent Settlement systems are the intermediaries between the cultivators and the government. In the Ryotwari system, there are no intermediaries and the cultivators pay the revenue directly to the government. In the Mahalwari system, the village community is responsible for paying the revenue to the government. In the Permanent Settlement system, the intermediaries such as zamindars are responsible for paying the revenue to the government.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Ryotwari, Mahalwari and Permanent Settlement systems are three different land revenue systems that were implemented in India during the British colonial period. The Ryotwari system is a direct system where the cultivators pay the revenue directly to the government, the Mahalwari system is a system where the village community pays the revenue to the government, and the Permanent Settlement system is a system where intermediaries such as zamindars pay the revenue to the government. Each system has its own unique features and was implemented in different regions of India based on the local conditions.

2. The effect of Bengal renaissance was strong enough to make its presence felt across the nation in 19th century – Critically analyze.

Introduction:

The Bengal Renaissance, also known as the Bengal Renaissance of the 19th century, was a period of cultural and intellectual awakening in Bengal. It was a time when many Indians in Bengal began to question traditional beliefs and customs, and began to seek new knowledge and ways of thinking. The Bengal Renaissance was marked by a number of social, cultural, and intellectual developments that had a profound impact on the people of Bengal and India as a whole. In this article, we will critically analyze the extent to which the Bengal Renaissance was strong enough to make its presence felt across the nation in the 19th century.

Social and Cultural Impact:

The Bengal Renaissance had a significant social and cultural impact on the people of Bengal. It led to the emergence of a new educated class that was critical of traditional beliefs and customs. This new class began to question the caste system and the practice of untouchability. They also began to advocate for the rights of women and the lower castes. These social and cultural changes were reflected in the literature of the period, which often dealt with themes of social reform and equality.

Intellectual Impact:

The Bengal Renaissance also had a significant intellectual impact on the people of Bengal. It led to the emergence of a number of intellectuals and scholars who were interested in Western philosophy, science, and literature. They began to translate Western works into Bengali and to write about Western ideas in Bengali. This led to a new way of thinking among the people of Bengal that was heavily influenced by Western ideas.

National Impact:

The Bengal Renaissance also had a national impact. The ideas and movements that emerged in Bengal during this period soon spread to other parts of India. The Indian National Congress, which was founded in 1885, was heavily influenced by the ideas of the Bengal Renaissance. The Congress's demands for greater rights and freedoms for Indians were directly influenced by the social and intellectual developments of the Bengal Renaissance.

Criticism:

However, it is important to note that the Bengal Renaissance was primarily limited to the educated elite of Bengal, and its impact was not truly felt among the majority of the population. Additionally, the Bengal Renaissance was criticized for its focus on Western ideas and for its lack of attention to the needs and concerns of the poor and the lower castes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Bengal Renaissance was a period of significant social, cultural, and intellectual development in Bengal during the 19th century. The ideas and movements that emerged during this period had a profound impact on the people of Bengal and India as a whole. However, it is important to recognize that the Bengal Renaissance was primarily limited to the educated elite and its impact was not truly felt among the majority of the population. Also it was criticized for its focus on Western ideas and for its lack of attention to the needs and concerns of the poor and the lower castes.

Modern History of India: Key Questions and Answers for GPSC Mains Exam

3. Write a note on the role played by the Gujarati women freedom fighters in the Indian freedom struggle.

Introduction:

The Indian freedom struggle was a long and arduous struggle that involved people from all walks of life. Gujarati women played an important role in the freedom struggle, despite facing societal and cultural barriers. They were active in various organizations and movements, and their contributions were significant in shaping the course of the freedom struggle. In this note, we will discuss the role played by Gujarati women freedom fighters in the Indian freedom struggle.

Participation in Political Organizations:

Gujarati women were active in various political organizations during the freedom struggle. They were members of the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, and the Indian National Army, among others. They also participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. Many of these women were also arrested and imprisoned for their participation in these movements.

Involvement in Social Reforms:

Gujarati women were also involved in social reforms during the freedom struggle. They worked towards the upliftment of women and the lower castes and advocated for education, health, and welfare. They also worked towards the eradication of social evils such as untouchability and child marriage.

Contribution in Cultural Movement:

In addition to their political and social involvement, Gujarati women also played a significant role in the cultural movement during the freedom struggle. They were actively involved in literary and cultural organizations and worked towards promoting Indian culture and heritage. They also wrote and published literature that reflected the aspirations and struggles of the freedom movement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Gujarati women played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle. They were active in various political and social organizations, and their contributions were significant in shaping the course of the freedom struggle. They also played a role in cultural movement and social reforms. Even though they faced societal and cultural barriers, they emerged as powerful voices of resistance and change. Their contributions to the freedom struggle continue to inspire generations of women in Gujarat and India.